The Best Travel Insurance for Expats in Costa Rica
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Nadia Dardón
Immigration Content Writer
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Thinking of living or working in Costa Rica as an expat or digital nomad?
It’s no wonder Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations for remote workers and retirees alike. The lush landscapes, warm climate, and pura vida lifestyle are incredibly appealing. But before you pack your bags and head off to your tropical adventure, there’s one important detail you shouldn’t overlook: travel insurance.
Whether it’s an unexpected medical emergency, a sudden change in travel plans, or even lost luggage, having the right insurance can save you from stress, financial headaches, and surprises that no “tropical paradise” Instagram post can prepare you for. In this guide, we’ll explore why travel insurance is essential for expats in Costa Rica, the different types of coverage available, and how to choose the best plan to protect your adventure and your wallet.
Why Travel Insurance is Essential in Costa Rica
Moving to or living in a new country as an expat or digital nomad is exciting, but it also comes with a set of unique risks that are easy to overlook. Costa Rica is known for its friendly locals, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, but navigating healthcare, emergencies, and unexpected travel hiccups can be challenging without the right coverage.
For digital nomads and remote workers, the stakes are even higher. Many are staying for months at a time, working from coworking spaces, or exploring the country’s natural wonders during weekends. Accidents can happen anywhere, whether it’s a slip while hiking, a minor injury during water sports, or a sudden illness, and healthcare costs in private clinics can be surprisingly high for those without local insurance.
Beyond medical emergencies, Costa Rica has its own rules and requirements for expats. For instance, certain residency or visa applications may require proof of health or travel insurance. Without it, you could face delays, fines, or even restrictions on your stay.
Even if you are generally healthy and careful, travel insurance acts as a safety net for unexpected situations that could otherwise disrupt your stay or derail your plans. It gives you the freedom to live and work in Costa Rica with confidence, knowing you’re covered if life throws a curveball.
Special Considerations for Expats & Remote Workers in Costa Rica
Living and working in Costa Rica as an expat or digital nomad comes with unique circumstances that make travel insurance more than just a safety net, it’s a practical necessity. Unlike short-term tourists, expats and remote workers often spend extended periods in the country, which increases the likelihood of encountering situations where insurance can make a critical difference.
Extended Stays Mean More Exposure to Risk: The longer you stay in Costa Rica, the higher the chances of facing unexpected medical issues, accidents, or travel disruptions. Whether it’s an emergency during a weekend hike in Monteverde or a minor accident while exploring the beaches of Guanacaste, extended exposure means higher potential costs without proper coverage.
Visa and Residency Requirements: Certain visas or residency permits may require proof of health or travel insurance. Failing to have a valid policy can lead to delays in your application, fines, or complications if you need medical attention while waiting for official approval.
Limited Coverage from Home Country Policies: Many expats and digital nomads assume their domestic health insurance will cover them abroad, but most standard plans do not extend fully to Costa Rica, especially for private healthcare. Travel insurance ensures you have access to quality medical care without unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
Remote Work Lifestyle Challenges: Working remotely often means balancing productivity with adventure, long hikes, surfing, or exploring remote areas are common for digital nomads. Each new experience comes with its own set of risks, and having travel insurance ensures that minor setbacks don’t turn into major financial burdens.
Peace of Mind for a Smooth Experience: Ultimately, having a reliable travel insurance plan allows expats and remote workers to focus on enjoying the Costa Rican lifestyle, rather than worrying about “what if” scenarios. It’s about proactive protection so that unexpected events don’t interfere with your work, travel, or daily life.
Benefits of a Good Insurance Plan for Costa Rica
Having a solid travel or expat insurance plan isn’t just about meeting requirements; it’s about making your time in Costa Rica safer, smoother, and stress-free. Here are the key benefits for digital nomads, remote workers, and expats:
Access to Quality Healthcare: Costa Rica has both public and private healthcare systems, but private care can be expensive for foreigners. A good insurance plan ensures you can access top-quality medical care without worrying about high out-of-pocket costs.
Coverage for Emergencies and Accidents: Whether it’s a hiking injury, a surfing accident, or an unexpected illness, insurance provides financial protection and quick access to medical treatment, which is crucial for those living far from home.
Support for Travel and Visa Requirements: Many residency and long-term visa applications require proof of insurance. A reliable plan ensures compliance, making your application process smoother and hassle-free.
Protection Against Travel Disruptions: Flight cancellations, trip interruptions, or lost luggage can disrupt your plans. Insurance helps cover these unexpected events, allowing you to continue your work or travels with minimal stress.
Peace of Mind While Working Remotely: Living abroad as a remote worker comes with unique challenges. Knowing you’re protected in case of emergencies allows you to focus on work, travel, and enjoying your new home without constant worry.
Financial Security for Extended Stays: Medical expenses or emergency evacuations can be extremely costly. Insurance provides a safety net, ensuring that unexpected events don’t turn into financial crises.
Access to Assistance Services: Many plans include 24/7 assistance, helping you find doctors, arrange hospital visits, or even coordinate emergency evacuation if needed. This is particularly valuable for expats navigating a new healthcare system.
Travel Insurance with Citizen Remote
At Citizen Remote, we understand that moving to Costa Rica isn’t just about changing your address; it’s about embracing a new lifestyle filled with tropical beaches, lush rainforests, and pura vida living. Whether you’re working remotely from a beachfront villa in Tamarindo, exploring the cloud forests of Monteverde on weekends, or settling into the vibrant expat community in San José, your insurance should keep pace with your adventures. Our platform is designed to support expats and remote professionals with everything they need to feel secure, connected, and confident in Costa Rica.
Global Coverage — Including Costa Rica and Beyond
Our travel insurance plans offer worldwide protection, giving you the confidence to explore without limits. Whether you’re based in Costa Rica full-time or traveling throughout Central America, you’ll have coverage wherever life takes you. From a medical appointment in San José to an emergency flight home, your insurance travels with you every step of the way.
Tailored Plans for Expats and Remote Workers
We know that standard travel insurance doesn’t always fit the needs of people living abroad long-term. That’s why we provide plans designed specifically for expats and digital nomads, with coverage for extended stays, work-related travel, and personal belongings like laptops and cameras. These policies adapt to your lifestyle so you can focus on enjoying Costa Rica’s natural beauty, adventure activities, and relaxed pace of life, worry-free.
Customizable Coverage with WorldTrips
Through our partnership with WorldTrips, you can personalize your plan to match your needs. Adjust your deductible, set your coverage limits, and choose the protections that matter most, from medical care and emergency evacuation to trip interruption coverage. This flexibility allows you to get exactly what you need without paying for unnecessary extras, making it both practical and affordable.
Visa and Residency Support
Costa Rica offers several visa options for expats and remote professionals, including the Pensionado (Retiree) Visa, Rentista Visa, and the new Digital Nomad Visa, many of which require valid insurance coverage. Citizen Remote helps you meet these requirements easily by connecting you with compliant plans. Our platform also provides resources to simplify your move, from visa guidance to settling into your new Costa Rican community.
Comprehensive Lifestyle Support
We’re more than just an insurance provider. Citizen Remote offers a full range of services to help you thrive in Costa Rica. From accommodation assistance and local community connections to eSIMs for seamless connectivity and local guides to help you navigate daily life, we make sure your transition is as smooth as possible.
Whether you’re relocating for work, adventure, or pura vida living, Citizen Remote ensures you’re fully supported every step of the way, so you can enjoy Costa Rica’s beauty, culture, and lifestyle with complete peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Life and Work in Costa Rica
Moving to Costa Rica as an expat or digital nomad is an exciting adventure, full of new experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant local culture. But with all the opportunities comes the responsibility of protecting yourself, your health, and your peace of mind.
Travel insurance isn’t just a requirement for certain visas; it’s a practical tool that ensures you can live, work, and explore without worrying about unexpected emergencies or financial setbacks. From medical care and emergency evacuation to coverage for travel disruptions, a good insurance plan gives you the freedom to fully embrace the pura vida lifestyle.
By choosing a reliable, flexible plan tailored to expats and remote workers, you can focus on enjoying Costa Rica, whether it’s surfing the Pacific waves, hiking through rainforests, or building your remote career. You can be confident that you’re covered every step of the way.
Investing in travel insurance is more than just protection; it’s peace of mind, allowing you to make the most of your life abroad.
At Citizen Remote, we make that peace of mind simple. Our expat-friendly insurance plans are designed to keep up with your lifestyle, offering flexibility, global protection, and support tailored to people who live and work across borders. Get a Free Quote with Citizen Remote and see how much peace of mind costs for your next adventure!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information provided. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of coverage, performance, or eligibility. Readers are solely responsible for verifying details directly with their insurance provider and reviewing all policy documents and coverage terms prior to purchase. Citizen Remote and its affiliates disclaim all liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on the information herein.
Author
Nadia Dardón is a content creator from Guatemala. She has worked fully remotely for the past six years as a copywriter, editor, and content creator, working for different industries. She started her digital nomad journey in 2022 and currently lives as an expat in Spain.
